Traffic Engineering and Operations Office

Intersection Operations and Safety

Intersections are designed points of conflict in all roadway systems. This includes U.S.
and state highways,
county roads, and local streets. All modes of traffic cross paths as they travel through or turn from one route
to another. Where different paths separate, cross or join are known as conflict points, and these are always
present at intersections. Limiting the number of conflict points at an intersection not only reduces the
frequency and severity of crashes, but also improves the overall operation and mobility.

In 2015, Florida ranked as the #1 state in the country with the most intersection-related traffic fatalities.
With over 30 percent of all traffic fatalities occurring from intersection-related crashes, the Florida Strategic
Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) identifies intersection safety as one of the top emphasis areas for the state. In response
to this call to action, and with direction from leadership, FDOT has developed an Intersection Control Evaluation
(ICE) manual to aid in this effort.

The ICE process quantitatively evaluates several intersection control scenarios (alternatives) and ranks these
alternatives based on their operational and safety performance. Implementing a “performance-based” procedure
such as ICE creates a transparent and consistent approach to consider intersection alternatives based on metrics
such as safety, operations, cost, and social, environmental, and economic impacts.

FDOT-modified Capacity Analysis at Junctions (CAP-X) which
provides generalized capacity information as part of the initial ICE stage. *NOTE*:
FDOT will release a new CAP-X Tool in Fall 2017, which will include shared lane
analysis capabilities (lanes shared by through/left or through/right vehicle
movements).

Safety Performance for ICE (SPICE) for safety performance
evaluations, which are required for stages 1 and 2 of the ICE process. *NOTE*:
FDOT will release a new SPICE Tool in Fall 2017, which will include the new
Roundabout Safety Performance Function (SPF) from NCHRP 17-70.

The Intersection Safety Implementation Plan (ISIP) identifies key steps, responsibilities, estimated
funding requirements, and estimated injuries and fatalities prevented annually. Working closely with FDOT
Safety Office, the following steps are crucial to the success of this plan:

Conduct ICE for top ranked intersections

Screen on-system intersections and implement low-cost countermeasures

Work with FDOT Office of Design to develop and publish new intersection design standards and guidelines